We are in the final days of waiting for Lucas' arrival. We thought he'd be here by now (mostly because the doctors thought so also).
He's not.
I guess we might as well get used to things going a bit differently than expected. After all, we're about to be parents.
Our bags are packed. We are prepared, we think, for most scenarios that might present themselves in a suburban sprawl space hospital room in Metro Detroit (short of an invasion by Russian Warlords). Seriously, Kara's so thorough. I think we have ten MRE's, four sticks of dynamite (for any difficult people who might stop by), one extra oxygen tank, towel rack warmer for the warm shower I'm going to take from the stress of having this baby, and a briefcase full of twenty dollar bills just in case we need to bribe a nurse or two for extra ice cream. Wait, we're not having a root canal, we're having a baby. My bad.
We have clothes, back-up clothes, cell-phone charger, MacBook, MacBook charger, snacks, more food, books (cut me some slack . . . you never know), Kansas Jayhawks t-shirt to catch Lucas in (of course), and an autographed picture of Bono to put in the window. If Jesus had signed my "Joshua Tree" CD I'd put it in the window. He doesn't do autographs these days.
For those veteran parents and grandparents out there in cyberspace--what one thing would you suggest the Graves take to the hospital (serious or sarcastic answers welcome)?
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7 comments:
A pillow. Those hospital pullout beds are not that comfortable for the daddy's, and after the delivery day you are going to want some rest.
I am glad to hear the end is in sight bro. I know you guys are going to love being parents...and you'll make some pretty great ones!
great call JStorm--we have about 20 at the house.
:)
Bill Laimbeer facemask? Just in case he comes out throwing elbows... Hope all goes well!
I know you have heard of sports psychology, but let me introduce you to birth psychology:
1) Most importantly already know going in, this is not about you…
2) Bring your wife flowers, don't let friends and family be the only ones bringing gifts.
3) Be prepared to sacrifice a lot of “shut-eye” for those couple of nights.
4) Get your mind trained to be sensitive to what you might consider the most awkward request.
5) Don’t leave your wife for too long while the baby is in the nursery (doesn’t mesh well with even the slightest case of postpartum depression.)
6) When your wife is in labor, she may say some things she doesn’t mean; during this time, be strong, blame it on the pain, and whatever you do don’t say “in the name of Jesus come out.”
7) When Lucas comes out, don’t say: “oh honey it’s a girl;” Kara will not find it as funny (trust me, I know).
8) If you watch any T.V. let your wife control the remote in the hospital (if you have questions about this see #1)
9) Don’t forget to remind your wife how beautiful she is even when she has no make-up on and very few hours of sleep.
10) Remember how blessed you are when you look at your wife and your child; and give thanks to the Lord.
1. If you can have your wife become a nurse in the next day or two it will help you out a lot. They will give you your own room including a real bed for you to sleep in instead of the pullout variety.
2. Bribe the nurses (both shifts) with donuts. It will be the best 20 dollars you spend all week.
3. Don't watch the epidural needle being injected in Kara's back.
4. Enjoy every moment of the process.
Love your delivery nurse for she is your best friend. The doctor means nothing at this point, they are just a catcher.
If you're nice to that nurse, she'll be nice to you.
More than anything, if Kara says leave her alone, LEAVE HER ALONE! :)
Lance: I love your Bad Boys reference. I'll use that for sure.
Phil: Wow. Great thoughts. btw...the warm shower because I'm tired thing was a joke. Just wanted to make sure. Your list was thorough and helpful. Thanks.
Luke: I just got an e-mail regarding an RN certification via the internet that takes less than 24 hours to complete. It was to work in Uganda. Just kidding.
Sara: Great wisdom. You are the second person that mentioned this. Thanks for that.
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